It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting cooler and that means children and families are preparing to head back to school. Did you know that it’s not just students, teachers, administrators, etc. that are head back to school each fall? Foster Grandparents are also preparing for a fresh set of faces to meet and work with for the school year.
What is a Foster Grandparent and how can you become one? The Foster Grandparent Program is an inter-generational program comprised of individuals 55 and older who are willing to volunteer 15-40 hours per week. Foster Grandparents can also be placed in other non-profit settings such as daycare centers, development achievement centers and juvenile centers. Foster Grandparents help children learn, become mentors, role models, friends, and their experiences and wisdom help the child gain skills and confidence to succeed in school and life.
“I can see the children I work with grow both in personality and knowledge”, says Grandpa David. “Being a Foster Grandparent gives me self-worth and self-esteem.”
To become a Foster Grandparent, contact Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. in Crookston at 218-281-5832, toll-free at 1-800-584-7020, or visit the Tri-Valley website at www.tvoc.org. Tri-Valley has Foster Grandparent opportunities in the counties of Polk, Clay, Becker, Mahnomen, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Kittson, and Roseau.
If you are more inclined to work with your peers, Tri-Valley also offers a Companion Program. Companions assist seniors with important daily tasks, encouragement, a helping hand, a watchful eye, and friendship. For more information on the Companion Program, please call the numbers listed above or visit the Tri-Valley website. Tri-Valley has Companion opportunities in the counties of Polk, Clay, Mahnomen, Norman, Red Lake, Pennington, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Kittson, and Roseau.